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Compliance in Louisiana homeschooling is straightforward—but missing deadlines creates real problems. You could lose your approval mid-year, be forced to re-apply and start over, or face legal questions about your child’s schooling status.
This is one area where staying organized and aware of dates matters completely.
Key Takeaways:
- Home Study renewal deadline: October 1 annually
- Nonpublic school registration renewal: October 1 annually
- Home Study requires annual progress evidence; Nonpublic requires none
- Progress evidence: test scores, materials packet, or teacher certification
- Missing deadline = loss of approval; can re-apply but creates disruption
- Start gathering evidence in May; submit by September 1 for safety margin
Two Different Paths, Two Different Requirements
Home Study (BESE):
- Annual renewal application
- Progress evidence required
- Curriculum approval required (flexible; most curricula approved)
- 180 days instruction required
- 900–990 instructional hours required
Nonpublic School (LDOE):
- Annual registration form
- No progress evidence required
- No curriculum approval required
- 180 days instruction required
- 900–990 instructional hours required
Both paths require annual renewal by October 1. Missing the deadline means your child is no longer legally homeschooled in Louisiana, which can trigger compulsory attendance issues.
Home Study Renewal Timeline: The Full Calendar
January–April: Planning Phase
- If this is your first year, gather curriculum information
- If renewing, review last year’s approval letter and any notes from BESE
- Plan which progress evidence method you’ll use (test scores, materials packet, or teacher certification)
- Start collecting work samples if using materials packet
May–August: Gathering Evidence Phase
- If using standardized test: register for test (ITBS, CAT, or SAT if applicable)
- Complete testing by August if possible
- If using materials packet: gather curriculum, book lists, work samples, grades, attendance records
- If using teacher certification: identify tutor or evaluator; schedule evaluation by August
September 1: Recommended submission date
- Submit renewal application to BESE
- Include progress evidence
- Don’t wait until October 1 (creates stress and risk of postal delays)
- Send certified mail or hand-deliver for proof of submission
October 1: Hard deadline
- Must be received by BESE by October 1
- If postmarked before October 1 but received after, contact BESE (they’re sometimes flexible, but don’t count on it)
- Late submission = loss of approval until reapplication is processed (could be 4–6 weeks)
November–December: Approval confirmation
- BESE processes applications and issues approval letters
- You’ll receive updated approval certificate
- Continue homeschooling with confidence in your approval status
What BESE Needs for Renewal
Required:
- Completed renewal application (from BESE website)
- Proof of curriculum use (course descriptions, curriculum outline, or simple list of programs used)
- Progress evidence (one of three options):
- Standardized test scores (ITBS, CAT, SAT/ACT)
- Materials packet (curriculum outlines, book lists, student work samples, grades, third-party observation)
- Teacher certification statement from qualified instructor
Optional but helpful:
- Updated contact information if moved
- Note about any changes to program or approach
- Letter explaining if anything unusual happened (medical issue, major transition, etc.)
Do NOT include:
- Every work sample (too much; 10–15 representative pieces per subject is enough for materials packet)
- Lengthy narratives unless asked
- Expenses or receipts
- Anything not directly related to proving progress
Progress Evidence Options: Choosing What Works
Option 1: Standardized Test Scores
Easiest submission; most objective proof.
- Register for ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) or CAT (California Achievement Test) in spring
- Or use SAT/ACT scores (high school students)
- Costs $100–$300+ depending on test and location
- Take test at established testing site or home with approved proctor
- Receive results; submit with renewal application
Best for: Families who like external validation; students who test well; high school students taking SAT/ACT anyway.
Limitations: One test date; one snapshot; doesn’t show full learning year.
Option 2: Materials Packet (most common)
More work to assemble but richest picture of learning.
- Assemble curriculum used (list or copies of course descriptions)
- Book lists from each subject
- Reading list (works read across the year)
- Work samples from each subject (tests, essays, projects, creative work)
- Grades or evaluation in each subject
- Attendance record (calendar showing 180 days)
- Third-party observation (letter from tutor, co-op teacher, or evaluator)
- Organize in binder or folder; submit physical copy or digital (BESE now accepts digital)
- Costs: minimal if you already have materials; $100–$300 if you hire evaluator for third-party observation
Best for: Families who want to show full year of learning; want rich documentation; prefer narrative over single test score.
Limitations: Time to assemble; requires third-party observer; more to mail/submit.
Option 3: Teacher Certification Statement
Formal attestation from qualified instructor.
- Hire educational evaluator, tutor, or educational therapist
- Provide them with curriculum used, work samples, learning goals
- They assess your child and write certification statement verifying progress
- Costs: $100–$300 for evaluation and statement
Best for: Families who want expert evaluation; parents wanting third-party validation of approach; if using tutors already (can use them for certification).
Limitations: Cost; requires finding qualified evaluator; may not be as detailed as materials packet.
Attendance and Hours: You’re Responsible for Tracking
Both Home Study and Nonpublic must show:
- 180 days of instruction per school year
- 900–990 instructional hours per school year
You track this. BESE doesn’t provide a form; you document it.
Simple tracking system:
- Calendar: Mark school days (or days off)
- Spreadsheet: Start date, end date, days completed, hours tallied
- Log: Daily or weekly hours, subject-by-subject
What counts as “instructional time”:
- Direct instruction (parent teaching, tutor, class)
- Independent work on curriculum assigned by you
- Field trips related to curriculum
- Dual enrollment college courses
What doesn’t count:
- Screen time not educational (TV, games)
- Unstructured play
- Extracurriculars (sports, music lessons, unless part of curriculum)
- Meals, transitions, breaks
Reality: Most homeschooling families track loosely. You know roughly how many days you schooled, roughly how many hours per day. BESE isn’t auditing your exact hours—they’re confirming you did substantial education.
Document it simply and honestly.
Nonpublic School: Minimal Compliance
If you register as Nonpublic (LDOE):
Required for renewal:
- Annual registration form (simple one-page form)
- That’s it
No curriculum approval needed. No progress documentation required. No documentation of hours required.
This is maximum autonomy. In return, you lose TOPS eligibility and sports participation.
But you still need to:
- Complete 180 days instruction
- Complete 900–990 instructional hours
- Document your own records (for your own purposes; not submitted)
LDOE isn’t monitoring; you’re self-monitoring. This is why Nonpublic has lower compliance burden—the state assumes you’re committed if you register.
If You Miss the October 1 Deadline
Immediate action:
- Contact BESE (or LDOE if Nonpublic) immediately
- Explain the delay
- Inquire whether your existing approval extends a few weeks or if you lost approval
Short-term:
- Submit renewal application immediately with progress evidence
- BESE will process application (typically 4–6 weeks)
- During processing, your status is unclear; keep detailed records in case of questions
- Continue homeschooling; document everything
Legal risk:
- If you’re no longer approved and continue homeschooling, you’re technically violating compulsory attendance law
- In practice, BESE is flexible for minor delays and strong applicants
- Chronic late renewal looks like disregard for law
Prevention:
- Set calendar reminders in May, July, September
- Plan to submit by September 1
- Use certified mail for proof of submission
- Keep copy of application and evidence
Annual Checklist for Home Study Renewal
- [ ] Gather curriculum information (January–February)
- [ ] Decide progress evidence method (February)
- [ ] If testing: register for standardized test (March–April)
- [ ] If materials packet: start collecting work samples (January–May)
- [ ] Complete standardized testing or evaluation (by August)
- [ ] Assemble materials packet or teacher certification (August)
- [ ] Complete attendance and hours log (August)
- [ ] Download and complete renewal application (August)
- [ ] Review before submitting (September 1)
- [ ] Submit via certified mail or hand-deliver (by September 1)
- [ ] Receive approval confirmation (November–December)
Nonpublic School Annual Checklist
- [ ] Locate LDOE registration form (September)
- [ ] Complete registration form (September)
- [ ] Submit before October 1 (certified mail or online if option available)
- [ ] Receive confirmation (November)
- [ ] Keep your own records even though not required (for future use)
Moving Forward
Louisiana’s compliance requirements are genuinely low compared to most states. You have two options with transparent requirements, simple application processes, and reasonable deadlines.
Stay organized, mark October 1 on your calendar, and submit early. That’s honestly all that’s needed.
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